Description:

The panels are installed on the south-facing roof only, and get good sun all day long. The panels are black and flush to the roof, creating minimal visual impact. The electricity production has been about 5 percent higher than forecast.

Other Benefits:

Our members feel good that we are doing our part to help reduce climate change.

Maintenance Requirements:

None. The system has performed flawlessly. The equipment comes with long-term warranties.

Efficiency or Sustainability Improvements:

The church has done a number of other efficiency improvements, including computerized control of room temperatures, extensive use of fluorescent lighting, and occupancy sensors in meeting rooms.

My Motivation:

As a faith community, we are called to take good care of God's Creation. We believe using solar PV panels to generate the electricity we use is a good way to help preserve that Creation.

Advice:

In the context of a large congregation, there are many different views of solar electricity. The process of getting internal approval to proceed is a great opportunity to inform and excite a whole lot of people.

Experience with Installer:

SunBug Solar provided excellent service throughout the project - advice, design, town and utility approvals, construction and commissioning.

Additional Notes:

We tried to minimize the visual impact to our historic building, and believe we succeeded. Then some in the congregation said: " I hope passers by can see it; I want them to know what we stand for." Such is life in a congregation.

Open House Info:

We welcome visitors from 10 AM - 4 PM on Saturday, October 5, 2013. There is parking on-site, and on the street nearby.